The Apostle Paul was troubled by a constant and persistent burden he describes as a "thorn in his flesh." While many have interpreted this as a physical ailment, a closer examination of the original Greek text suggests a different understanding. When Paul describes his "flesh," he uses the word sarx, which encompasses both the physical body and the soul. This is a crucial distinction, as he avoids the more specific term soma, which strictly denotes the physical form. Further illuminating this point, the phrase "thorn in the flesh" is consistently used in scripture to depict the irritation caused by one person or group antagonizing another (Num. 33:55, Judges 2:3, Josh. 23:13). Therefore, it is plausible to conclude that Paul's "thorn" wasn't a physical malady, but rather the unrelenting attacks from individuals or groups determined to undermine his message. This interpretation aligns perfectly with the historical context of Paul's ministry, constantly challenged and frustrated by the Judiazers who sought to distort and discredit the Gospel he preached in every city he visited.
Having said all that, God’s response to Paul’s cry for deliverance was, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Consider the ramifications of that statement. God’s grace is sufficient for all of our needs. Grace is God’s unmerited favor and even though we don’t deserve it, it is still given to us out of His goodness and mercy. His favor is on us, and that is enough for any problem. God’s grace satisfies our needs, pains, wants, and desires.
When Paul's enemies were a constant offense to him, Paul was told that God’s grace was sufficient to compensate him for his pain and suffering. When we are looking for fair compensation or human justice in this cruel world we must remember that God’s favor is sufficient to satisfy any injustice this world throws at us. God’s amazing grace compensates for any injustice or offense.
Jesus grew in favor (grace) with God and man He didn’t become more of a Messiah, or grow in His sonship, He grew in the purpose of His calling. Like Jesus, we are to grow in God’s favor so that we will grow into the full stature of a Son of God. God’s favor is lavished on us as a father cares for His child. We are the apple of His eye, the object of His affection, and the sheep of His pasture, and he desires to teach us to grow in His grace.
God’s grace is sufficient to instruct us in His ways through the good and the bad. He works them all together for our good (Rom. 8:28). Some people don’t understand this aspect of grace, they just want the soft & sweet kind, but God’s grace is more than a cream-filled donut. It is sufficient to instruct us through our trials. One author put it this way,
May God’s favor be sufficient to:
Give us enough happiness to keep you sweet,
Give us enough trials to keep you strong,
Give us enough sorrow to keep you human,
Give us enough hope to keep you happy,
Give us enough failure to keep you humble,
Give us enough success to keep you eager,
Give us enough wealth to meet your needs,
Give us enough enthusiasm to look forward,
Give us enough friends to give you comfort,
Give us enough faith to banish depression,
Give us enough determination to make each day better than yesterday.1
Jesus told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul replied, ”Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Paul understood that it was through his limitations, through his moments of frailty, that the true power of Christ could shine most brightly. His response is a testament to his faith. Consider the impact of this understanding. Paul's suffering, his struggles, and his unwavering faith in the face of adversity directly fueled the creation of so much of the New Testament. It was because of his battles, not despite them, that he wrote those powerful letters, guiding and strengthening the early churches, and perfecting the understanding of the Gospel for generations to come. The refining power of grace infused in our suffering will “produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Rom 5:3-5).
May we live in the sufficiency of God’s grace as we are perfected through our trials so that all may see Jesus in us.
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